PLANS to extend Guildford’s controlled parking zone to the east of the town centre have finally been agreed after years of discussion.

Traffic wardens will now patrol St Omer Road, Warren Road and Tangier Road among others, which sit between the town and Merrow.

Bays will be a mixture of residents-only parking, time-restricted spaces, and unrestricted spots.

Consultation on the scheme has been a very drawn out process.

Residents living on one of the roads had argued that controlled parking was not needed, and some neighbours were also concerned about the view of traffic from junctions off Tangier Road onto Epsom Road and Warren Road.

“People living along Upper Tangier Road feel it is being imposed on them despite their feeling that this is unnecessary,” said John Twining, of Downsedge Residents’ Association.

However, views from members of the residents’ association appear to differ according to the area in which they live.

A survey carried out by Guildford Borough Council in September last year showed residents living in St Omer Road overwhelmingly supported a parking zone, while those living in Tangier Road were against the idea.

But council parking manager Kevin McKee said the zone had to be inclusive otherwise it could leave the authority open to appeals against parking fines.

Calls for a controlled zone to the east of the town came after motorists began to park on the streets following the imposition in 2006 of another zone nearby.

The scheme, which is expected to “go live” before the end of the year, will cost £6,000 to implement, funding for which will come from the on-street parking account.